Susan Tychostup, weeks short of her 99th birthday, died in the early hours of Tuesday, December 5, 2023 at her home in New Paltz. Known to loved ones and friends as a spirited Queens native with a green thumb, Susan loved to laugh, dance, and share her thoughtful guidance and vibrant personality with all who crossed her path.
Born in Tamaqua, PA, Susan was the eldest daughter of the late John and Anna (Kachur) Pawlikowsky, and grew up on the Lower East Side of Manhattan. As many of that era, her formative years were deeply influenced by WWII and she did her part to support the war effort.
Wife, mother, and homemaker, and a woman before her time, Susan was a driving force and role model. Shortly after moving to Ozone Park, she began working outside the home as a paraprofessional. In her 40s, she obtained her driver’s license, went back to school to earn a degree at York College, and became a kindergarten teacher—all while raising her family and engaging in local political and civic activities. She started the first women’s investors group in Queens, and served in various community positions, including President of the local Civic Association. A voracious reader, she enjoyed taking in the sun, swimming, gardening, hosting and feeding people in her home, and supporting family members in any way she could. An avid letter writer and follower of politics, she was never shy to voice her opinion in pursuit of doing what was just.
After retirement, to be closer to her family, Susan moved to New Paltz where she could be seen zipping around in her bright green VW Beetle, playing golf, and tending her glorious flower garden. Active in the New Paltz-Gardiner Senior Citizens Club, she served several terms as Treasurer and President. A fiercely independent, generous, and dignified woman, Susan will be remembered as a devoted family member, community activist, and phenomenal cook; and a lover of travel, gossip, and a good shoe.
Susan is survived by her daughter, Lorna Tychostup of Kingston; her son, Joseph Tychostup of Mayfield, NY; six beloved grandchildren, Jason, Joshua, Lacey, Joseph, Stephen, and Christian; seven amazing great grandchildren, Virginia, Adam, Lance, Evelyn, Madeleine, Kiran, and Eloise; as well as several nieces and nephews.
In addition to her parents, Susan was predeceased by her husband, Walter Tychostup, who passed in 1977; a daughter, Virginia Valens; a sister, Mary Shalinkski; and a brother, Henry Pawlikowsky.
The family will receive friends at the Copeland-Hammerl Funeral Home, 162 South Putt Corners Rd on Thursday, December 7, 2023 from 4-8 PM. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Friday, December 8, 2023 at St. Joseph Church at 10:30 AM. Interment will follow in Mt. Olivet Cemetery in Queens, NY.
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